Calvin Borel Net Worth

What is Calvin Borel Net Worth and Salary?

Calvin Borel is an American jockey in thoroughbred horse racing who has a net worth of $10 million. Calvin Borel is a Hall of Fame American jockey best known for his fearless, rail-hugging riding style and an uncanny knack for winning underdog races. A native of Louisiana, Borel became a fan favorite for his humble personality, dramatic victories, and close connection with his horses. He gained national fame after winning the Kentucky Derby three times in a four-year span—2007, 2009, and 2010—each time riding horses that were not considered favorites. His most memorable triumph came aboard 50–1 longshot "Mine That Bird" in 2009, a race that instantly became one of the greatest upsets in Derby history. Nicknamed "Bo'rail" for his habit of sticking close to the inside rail, Borel is celebrated not only for his skill but also for his gutsy instincts and blue-collar work ethic.

Early Life and Rise in Racing

Calvin Borel was born on November 7, 1966, in St. Martin Parish, Louisiana, into a Cajun family deeply connected to the horse racing world. Like many jockeys from the region, he began riding bush track races as a young boy. By age eight, Borel was already competing in informal quarter horse races and quickly built a reputation as a natural.

He turned professional in 1983 and steadily worked his way up through smaller tracks in the South before making a name for himself at Churchill Downs in Kentucky. Known for his aggressive but calculated rides, he became a regular fixture on the racing circuit throughout the 1990s and 2000s.

Kentucky Derby Glory

Borel's first Kentucky Derby win came in 2007 aboard "Street Sense," a favorite who rewarded bettors with a dominant rail-riding victory. But it was his stunning 2009 win with "Mine That Bird" that etched his name into sports history. Starting from the back of the pack, Borel weaved his way through traffic and hugged the rail in his signature style, pulling off a spectacular upset to claim the Derby at 50–1 odds.

Incredibly, he followed that with another win in 2010 aboard "Super Saver," making it three Derby victories in just four years—an unprecedented feat in modern racing. Borel's Kentucky Derby success, coupled with a win in the 2009 Kentucky Oaks and 2009 Preakness Stakes, made him the first jockey to win the Derby and Oaks in the same weekend, and one of the most recognizable names in American horse racing.

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Career Achievements and Legacy

Over the course of his career, Borel won more than 5,100 races and earned a reputation as a jockey who delivered when the stakes were highest. He was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 2013, solidifying his place among the sport's elite.

Borel never sought celebrity or spotlight, but his emotional post-race interviews, connection with fans, and dramatic rides made him a beloved figure well beyond racing circles. Even as his pace slowed in later years, he continued to ride in select races, offering mentorship and guidance to younger jockeys on the circuit.

How Much Do Jockeys Like Calvin Borel Earn?

The earnings of a jockey like Calvin Borel vary widely depending on performance, prestige, and the purses of the races they ride in. Jockeys typically earn a small fee per race (around $100–$300 for a standard mount), but they also receive a percentage of the purse, often 5% to 10%, if they finish in the top five.

When a jockey wins a high-stakes race like the Kentucky Derby, the financial reward is significant. In 2009, for example, the winner's share of the $2 million Derby purse was $1.43 million. As the jockey, Borel would have earned roughly $80,000–$100,000 from that single race. For a top-tier jockey riding in big races consistently, annual earnings can exceed $1 million. However, even elite jockeys only make a fraction of what star athletes in other sports do, despite the physical risks and grueling schedule.

Over the course of his career, Borel earned tens of millions in purse money for owners and trainers, with his personal cut estimated to be several million dollars.

Calvin Borel Height and Weight

Like most professional jockeys, Calvin Borel is small in stature—a physical trait that's essential in a sport where every pound matters. Borel stands approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall (165 cm) and typically maintains a riding weight around 116 pounds (53 kg). Maintaining this weight requires intense discipline, as jockeys must stay as light as possible to avoid handicapping their mounts.

Despite his size, Borel was known for his extraordinary strength in the saddle, balance, and ability to maneuver horses in tight spots, particularly along the rail. His physical stature, combined with mental toughness and near-flawless timing, made him one of the most effective big-race jockeys of his era.

Personal Life and Character

Borel has often been described as humble, hard-working, and deeply connected to the horses he rides. He's not known for flashy quotes or a celebrity lifestyle—he's known for showing up early, working long days, and earning the respect of both peers and fans.

His Cajun roots remain a central part of his identity, and he's frequently credited with helping bring mainstream attention to the strong tradition of Louisiana-born jockeys. Whether guiding a favorite to victory or pulling off an impossible longshot win, Borel's racing legacy is defined not just by statistics, but by heart, grit, and unforgettable moments.

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